Aberdeen Airport reports latest passenger figures

Artist impression of Aberdeen Airport proposed redevelopment'First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP today (Monday 1 February 2016) visited Aberdeen International Airport to unveil details of what will be the single largest investment in the airport since the current terminal opened its doors in 1977. A total of �20 million will be invested in the airport resulting in a 50% increase in the size of the terminal building and with it, a comprehensive transformation of current passenger facilities.

Published:10:34Friday 11 March 2016

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Figures released by Aberdeen International Airport have shown that almost 220,000 passengers travelled through the airport during February.

This represents a decrease of 13.3% compared to the same period last year.

Domestic traffic was down 16.3% to 126,849 passengers, due in part to the reduction in capacity following the withdrawal in September of Little Red’s Heathrow service. Despite showing a slight dip of 1.8%, international traffic remained strong at 59,332 passengers.

Commenting, Carol Benzie, managing director of Aberdeen International Airport, said: “It is no surprise that our passenger numbers are continuing to be affected by the performance of the wider economy.

“Despite this, we had cause for celebration when we welcomed Icelandair’s inaugural Reykjavik service earlier this week, which is one of a number of new routes we will launch during 2016.

“The airport plays a vital role in supporting the economy and we remain committed to strengthening our connectivity.

“Alongside our efforts in route development, we will start progressing the first phase of our £20 million investment programme which will result in a comprehensive transformation of our current passenger facilities.

“Initial preparatory works will get underway later this month which will involve temporary baggage reclaim facilities being put in place. They will go live in May when construction works on the extension will commence in earnest.”

The investment will result in a 50% increase in the size of the terminal building.

This will include the creation of two new passenger lounges, an expanded baggage reclaim area, a new security search area, new immigration facilities and new retail and catering facilities within the main departures lounge.

The construction of a two-storey extension to the south of the existing terminal building will start in May 2016.

At ground level, the extension will accommodate all facilities for international arriving passengers as well as domestic baggage reclaim. Two business lounges will be located on the upper level.